Olive Branch, Mississippi is a growing suburban city located just south of Memphis, Tennessee. With its close proximity to Memphis and recent population boom, Olive Branch has developed a thriving food scene with delicious restaurants ranging from downhome Southern cooking to ethnic cuisines. Here are 12 of the best restaurants that Olive Branch has to offer.
Olive Branch was just a small town up until the 1990s and early 2000s, when rapid development turned it into a suburb of over 35,000 residents today. The city’s location right across the state border from the Memphis metro area makes it an appealing place to live, with more affordable housing and short commute times to Memphis for work.
This population growth has led to growth in Olive Branch’s dining sector as well. New neighbourhoods with young families desire good local restaurants where they can take their kids. The city also draws in professionals working in Memphis who want to try restaurants nearer to home after a long day. Established local eateries have upped their game while new spots have moved in, making Olive Branch more of a food destination itself.
From old school meat-and-threes to contemporary Southern cuisine to ethnic flavors, Olive Branch restaurants cater to a wide range of tastes. The dining scene offers comfort food favorites along with dishes that put innovative spins on cuisine. Read on for the 12 best restaurants that have Olive Branch residents and visitors well-fed.
1. Webb’s Diner
Webb’s Diner is a staple that has been serving hearty Southern comfort food since opening in downtown Olive Branch over 35 years ago. It’s the kind of friendly, lively local joint that every Southern town needs. Locals pack into the diner for breakfast plates loaded up with eggs, bacon, grits and more.
Lunch and dinner brings plates like fried chicken, country fried steak, pot roast, catfish and other classics. Don’t skip dessert – choices like banana pudding, chocolate pie and lemon ice box pie round out a soul-warming meal.
Webb’s also hosts themed nights like Fried Chicken Mondays and all-you-can-eat catfish on Wednesdays. Stop by this Olive Branch institution anytime for delicious downhome cooking in a lively setting.
2. City Range Steakhouse
For fine dining and premium steaks, City Range Steakhouse is the place to go in Olive Branch. As you enter you’re greeted by an elegant dining room with white tablecloths and a handsome dark wood interior.
The menu centers around USDA prime beef ranging from a 14 oz ribeye to a loaded 32 oz porterhouse meant for sharing. Other choices include pork chops, salmon, shrimp and chicken if you want a break from steak.
Every meal starts with their homemade cheese biscuits that will have you eager for more. Sides like asparagus, creamed corn and loaded baked potatoes perfectly complement the steaks.
For the complete experience, order one of their selections from the wine list or whiskey menu to enjoy with your meal. Whether it’s date night or a special family dinner, City Range Steakhouse has an upscale ambiance with even better food.
3. Marco’s Pizza
For family-friendly dining and satisfying pizza, Marco’s Pizza on Goodman Road is a go-to place for cheesy goodness loaded with all your favorite toppings. Marco’s prepares authentic Italian pizza as well as sub sandwiches, wings, salads and more.
The pizza steals the show, with pies available in different styles from classic to thin to crispy square. Build your own or order one of their signature pizzas like the White Cheezy with olive oil instead of red sauce.
Kids will love the kid-size pizzas with drink specials just for them. With convenient online ordering and delivery until late at night, Marco’s Pizza is perfect for pizza anytime your family is craving it.
4. Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano
For a taste of Italy without leaving Olive Branch, Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano transports diners straight to the old country. Ti Amo prides itself on authenticity – their head chef is Italian and they import ingredients straight from Italy.
The dining room is intimate with dark wood, chandeliers and Italian music. Out on the patio, you feel like you’ve been whisked away to a trattoria tucked down some side street in Italy.
Start your meal with bruschetta or calamari fritti before moving onto filling plates of pasta, seafood, veal or chicken. Every dish bursts with fresh, bright Mediterranean flavors from herbs, tomatoes, garlic and olive oil.
Save room for true Italian treats like tiramisu or cannoli to end your meals. From fine Italian wines to limoncello liqueurs, the drink menu further adds to the Italian experience.
5. Mama Hamil’s Diner
For delicious Southern comfort food served in charming retro diner setting, head to Mama Hamil’s Diner on Goodman Road. This little restaurant packs a big punch when it comes to flavor. The friendly staff keeps the meals full of warmth that makes you feel right at home.
Biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, meatloaf, fried green tomatoes, collard greens, mac and cheese – you name it, Mama Hamil’s proudly serves it. Daily lunch specials mean more variety while breakfast is served all day.
Pie choices like chocolate, coconut and pecan have diners leaving happy and full. Reasonable prices make it a popular spot with locals who often leave as friends. Mama Hamil’s Diner offers a quintessential small town Southern dining experience done right.
6. Kinfolks BBQ
Barbecue fans rejoice – Kinfolks BBQ serves up smoked meats that can compete with some of the best Memphis has to offer. Pitmaster Caleb Craft perfected his brisket, ribs, pulled pork and sausage skills while living in Texas before bringing his talents back home to Olive Branch.
The laidback counter service joint fills up with the smoky smell of woods like pecan and hickory. Grab a tray and load it up with juicy brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoky sausage and thick slabs of turkey. Sides like baked beans, slaw and potato salad balance out the protein.
Sauce options include a sweet molasses Based sauce and a vinegary Carolina style. Meats also come chopped on Texas toast sandwiches. Homemade desserts like banana pudding or chocolate chess pie deliver even more comfort. Kinfolks BBQ brings serious barbecue to Olive Branch barbecue fans.
7. Kimchi Korean BBQ
Kimchi Korean BBQ brings the sizzle, smells and flavor-packed dishes of Korea to Olive Branch. Located in a small shopping plaza, Kimchi transports diners to Seoul with Korean art, decor and music setting the ambiance. Go with a group so you can order several dishes to share Korean family-style.
Grilled meats and seafood like bulgogi beef and shrimp arrive at the table sizzling on a hot steel plate. Dip them wrapped lettuce leaves with sides like kimchi and pickled daikon radish. Hearty stews, fried chicken and noodle dishes round out the menu.
For the full experience, order one of their Korean beer and soju cocktails. The friendly staff helps explain dishes for newcomers to Korean fare. Kimchi Korean BBQ satisfies cravings for Korean BBQ without requiring a drive downtown.
8. Porter House Steaks and Spirits
Upscale steak and seafood restaurant Porter House Steaks and Spirits brings a taste of big city dining to Olive Branch. Settle into the handsome dining room with white tablecloths and dark wood accents for a special date night or celebration.
The menu offers premium cuts of steak from filet mignon to bone-in ribeye that arrive cooked to perfection. Seafood choices like Chilean sea bass and lobster tail ensure non-meat eaters have elegant options as well. Shareable sides like truffle mashed potatoes or sautéed mushrooms ramp up the extravagance.
An extensive wine list and craft cocktail menu featuring martinis and manhattans complement Porter House’s upmarket vibes. For the ultimate indulgence, save room for their housemade cheesecake with fresh berry compote. Porter House Steaks and Sprites balances the easygoing nature of Olive Branch with big city fine dining.
9. Taqueria Los Agaves
Craving legit Mexican food? Look no further than Taqueria Los Agaves. This little taqueria with a casual order-at-the-counter set up brings delicious authentic Mexican flavors to Olive Branch.
Their specialty is tacos stuffed with your choice of fillings like carne asada, carnitas, chicken or steak. Burritos, tortas, quesadillas and nachos offer more flavor-packed Mexican staples.
Try Mexican street corn slathered in mayo, cheese and chili powder or one of their hearty mole dishes for a true taste of Mexico. Wash it all down with a Mexican soda, horchata or michelada. The friendly staff gladly explains any menu items new to you.
Prices stay wallet-friendly, making Taqueria Los Agaves a frequent neighborhood spot. Stop by to get your Mexican food fix Olive Branch style.
10. City Vineyard Cafe and Wine Bar
For a relaxing evening paired with great wine and food, check out City Vineyard Cafe and Wine Bar. The restaurant exudes laidback sophistication with tall windows, high ceilings, and wood accents. As the name implies, City Vineyard prides itself on an extensive high-quality wine selection.
Choose among wines by the bottle or glass – helpful staff can guide you through the sizable wine list. Craft cocktails and local Mississippi beers also stand ready to pair with dinner.
The Mediterranean-influenced menu offers lighter dinner fare perfect for sharing. Graze on small plates like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, flatbreads and charcuterie boards. Heartier plates include pastas, seafood and Wagyu beef.
Every dish bursts with the fresh flavors of herbs, garlic and olive oil. Enjoy the easygoing ambiance on the back patio strung with twinkly lights. City Vineyard Cafe and Wine Bar offers a lovely wine-fueled escape right in Olive Branch.
11. Rosita’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant
Tucked away in a shopping plaza, family-owned Rosita’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant serves up huge portions of delicious comforting Mexican plates.
Enjoy all your south-of-the-border favorites from enchiladas drowning in sauce and melted cheese to sizzling fajitas stuffed with your choice of meat. Specialties like pork carnitas and chili verde offer more adventurous but satisfying eats.
Rosita’s also offers Mexican breakfast choices like huevos rancheros and breakfast tacos and burritos. Diet-busting desserts like fried ice cream or churros give you one more reason to loosen your belt buckle by the end of the meal.
Wash it all down with margs, Mexican beer or aguas frescas in flavors like tamarind, horchata and jamaica. Great prices keep loyal locals packing into this little gem. For authentic Mexican flavors done right, there’s no place like Rosita’s.
12. Olive Branch Alehouse and Grill
For casual American fare paired with local craft beers on tap, Olive Branch Alehouse and Grill hits the spot. Tuck into elevated pub grub dishes like chicken and waffles, burgers stacked tall with toppings and pimento cheese dip while you ponder the extensive beer list. Choose from Mississippi beers as well as regional IPAs, lagers, sours and more.
Sports fans will feel especially at home in theAlehouse’s welcoming digs with plenty of big screen TVs always tuned to the latest games.
The outdoor patio with a view of the pond makes a pleasant spot for dining al fresco. Happy hour deals, trivia nights and weekend brunch make the Alehouse & Grill a consistent neighborhood favorite. Locals flock here for hearty all-American meals washed down by cold local brews.
Conclusion
Olive Branch’s dining scene certainly punches far above its weight class for a small Southern suburb. From quintessential meat-and-threes to upscale steakhouses to international cuisine, you’re sure to find flavorful dishes to suit any taste or budget. Long-time residents appreciate the new dining options that cater to Olive Branch’s changing demographics.
If you live in Olive Branch or the nearby Memphis area, take time to try out these best 12 eateries to experience the diversity of cuisine the city offers. From weekend family meals to date nights to happy hours with coworkers, Olive Branch restaurants deliver comfort, elegance and adventure. These restaurants prove that tasty dining options continue blossoming across the South – no major city required.